How Long Do AutoCAD Courses Take?

The length of a class is determined by various factors. Each differs depending on the specialization or field as well as the level of advancement. Many students will choose a class based on the delivery method, financial considerations, end goals, and other personal preferences. One of the biggest factors is time. Before enrolling, you are encouraged to explore any options available to you, especially if you have a busy schedule or home life. If you already work and enroll in an AutoCAD class for an upcoming, time-sensitive project, this may narrow down your options as opposed to someone who is in no rush to learn. Part-time and full-time options are available and one may be more suitable than the other depending on your current work and home life situation. It can be a little overwhelming, so this article covers the different types of AutoCAD classes and the general timeframe students can expect.

Class Length

Any new skill will take time to learn; however, if you are dedicated, you will be willing to put in the time and effort to succeed. You will likely have to devote time in and out of class to learn the material fully. Additionally, the length of a course says a lot about the material. If you opt for a short class, you know you’ll likely learn the most basic material or focus on a small section of AutoCAD as opposed to the entire collection of tools and features. If it’s incredibly lengthy, you know you will likely cover a lot of material and also have ample time to practice and complete projects. Many lengthy classes are hands-on and interactive, whereas some short courses can be lecture-based or have students complete smaller activities. AutoCAD classes can last anywhere from a few hours to a few months. For instance, an introductory course is far less time-consuming than a university degree program. But just because an option is expensive or lengthy doesn’t mean it’s the best option. If you know you only need foundational skills, it may be a waste of time to learn every complex aspect associated with AutoCAD. However, if you need a thorough education in AutoCAD, you will likely want to take as many classes as possible or at least one especially lengthy, in-depth course. Whether you’re learning for professional reasons or perhaps a personal project, you will need to consider the options available to you and decide which one is worth the most time and effort.

Introductory Classes

Most agree that introductory courses are the best way for beginners to get started with their AutoCAD journey. If you are in the early stages of your AutoCAD education, this is a great way to start. Introductory classes are widely accessible to most, either in an in-person or live online setting, and cover the amount of material needed to become a basic AutoCAD user. These classes are generally brief and last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the level of material covered. In a typical introductory class, the instructor will spend a great deal of time covering terminology, tools, and basic functions but will also give students a chance to practice using the software. They can also start their professional portfolio with any of the small AutoCAD projects they complete during class time. 

Advanced Classes

After completing beginner and lower-level classes, you can learn increasingly elaborate concepts. At this time, you will want to seek out an advanced class. In a higher-level course, you will focus more on practical applications and learn how to use more complex features, tools, and commands in AutoCAD. In addition, advanced classes focus on career development and may dive into more realistic classroom topics or allow students to complete engineering and architectural projects. These classes are relatively comparable to introductory classes but may require more time since they cover more advanced information. Generally, an advanced class may last a few hours, either during one day or spread out over a couple of days, but some can last up to a week or so. One major difference between a beginner course and an advanced course is the need for completed prerequisites. Higher-level courses often require participants to have introductory-level skills in AutoCAD or may require outside skills in interior design, architecture, engineering, or other fields. Although the learning process can be time-consuming, it is worth the time and effort to leave feeling like you have ample skills to use AutoCAD in a professional setting.

Bootcamps

A fully immersive bootcamp is one of the best ways to learn new skills and enter the workforce quickly. Bootcamps are often lengthier, ranging from a few weeks to a few months, but this may depend on whether the course is part-time or full-time and what the subject matter entails. A bootcamp values practical application and career development, which often results in students completing industry-specific projects that can be added to a professional portfolio. They frequently provide students with interview preparedness, mock interviews, and insight into certain fields. Plus, bootcamps are a great networking opportunity as students and staff alike can discuss previous experiences and make connections with one another. Bootcamps are often taught by a professional AutoCAD Designer or someone who has worked extensively in a field that requires AutoCAD proficiency. Many students seek out AutoCAD bootcamps or field-specific bootcamps that cover material surpassing beginner and intermediate information. Thanks to the incredibly hands-on format and expert instruction, many find bootcamps highly effective and enjoyable despite their length. Ultimately, bootcamps appeal to students because they offer consistent exposure to real-world scenarios, hands-on instruction, career readiness, and a fully immersive experience.

Degree Programs

The lengthiest option by far is to apply to a degree program. University classes are not only expensive but incredibly stressful and time-consuming. While some can find continuing education programs that offer bootcamp-style classes, most universities offer degree programs for engineering, interior design, architecture, and other AutoCAD-relevant fields. Applicants can decide to pursue two-year, four-year, and six-year and beyond degrees that indicate different levels of proficiency. The entire process is lengthy, with most students setting aside a few weeks or months just to apply to various programs. Once accepted, students will then choose between full-time and part-time and have to stack their schedules accordingly to graduate from the program on time. In addition, if a student fails a class or is unable to enroll in a class, they may end up having to spend additional time enrolled to make up the credits. All in all, attending a university is considered a privilege to many since it is such a long, arduous, and costly process. Although incredibly tedious, it’s no secret that degree programs can lead to successful and gainful employment. Degree programs are a great option for someone with ample time and resources, but some may want to enter the workforce sooner rather than later. 

On-Demand/Asynchronous Options

Students can find on-demand online classes from a variety of providers. This is a unique course style that offers students a less stressful, hands-off approach to learning AutoCAD. These classes are asynchronous, which means that students aren’t required to meet for class or interact with other students. As a result, on-demand classes are self-paced and lack an instructor. Although many training centers and on-demand course providers offer support for students, they are ultimately left to their own devices while learning. There are pros and cons to this situation, namely due to the lack of interaction. However, many experts use on-demand classes to update their credentials or refresh their skills. Hobbyists who aren’t in a rush to enter the workforce or who need AutoCAD for their profession could also enroll in on-demand classes as a low-cost, quick way to learn a new skill. Generally speaking, on-demand classes have no set length. Some will last a few days whereas others can last a few months. It mainly depends on the subject matter, the student’s preferred experience level, and the course provider. While not ideal for a beginner or someone who wants a more in-depth experience, this can be a short, easy way to gain foundational AutoCAD skills.

Part-Time Versus Full-Time

Regardless of which class you choose to enroll in, you’ll want to consider if part-time or full-time is best suited to your schedule. Part-time options will either cover less information during class or will convene far less on a week-by-week basis. On the other hand, full-time courses may dive in head first or host several classes in one week to speed up the learning process. Additionally, a part-time class may suit your schedule more so than a full-time option, particularly if you already work or if you have a busy family life. Both options are effective and worth pursuing, but choosing one over the other will determine how long the class will last. It is vital that you ask how much time per week you can dedicate to learning AutoCAD.

Self-guided AutoCAD programs

Students who are looking to make a career out of using AutoCAD might also be interested in their options for career focused, self guided classes. These courses allow students to learn at their own pace (with guidance and assistance from a professional mentor) and they provide students with career-focused training and job placement support. While many students find it desirable to learn from a live instructor, these self-paced classes are the perfect fit for self-motivated students looking to make a career out of their AutoCAD training.

AutoCAD Certificate Program

The Visual Design and Construction Institute (VDCI) offers an immersive AutoCAD certificate program that aims to help students become career ready within only a few weeks of training. This program provides students with hands-on, job-focused training in the use of AutoCAD and the course is designed with new students in mind, meaning that you’ll move from your first construction draft to a capstone project to add to your professional portfolio over the course of the certificate program. This program also offers students the opportunity to take up to 80 hours of electives to help them specialize in subjects including Revit, Sketchup and Civil 3D Pro. With this option for specialization and the focus on career development training, this certificate program is an ideal entry point for aspiring designers, architects and engineers looking to learn how to use AutoCAD in a professional capacity.

AutoCAD Fundamentals

Students looking for an accelerated introduction to AutoCAD and computer-aided design generally may be interested in taking this introductory course offered by VDCI. Students will learn the basics of using AutoCAD and practical skills that they can bring back to their current jobs or use as the baseline for future CAD training (including some of the other advanced classes offered through VDCI). In this class, students will get live, hands-on instruction in the use of AutoCAD, including exercises in which they create drafting symbols, kitchens and bath fixtures, a floor plan, and deliverable file sheets. While you’ll need more training if you want to make a career out of your AutoCAD skills, this course is an excellent introduction to the kinds of projects that AutoCAD professionals will need to utilize.

AutoCAD Professional

If you have already taken the AutoCAD fundamentals program or you have experience with AutoCAD from another source, you may be interested in moving towards professional level training in this advanced AutoCAD program. In this program, students will learn how to create 2D designs for construction documents that meet all of the necessary and legal standards that they are expected to follow. This course offers practical skills training and is designed to ensure that experienced AutoCAD users are able to get the accelerated training that they need in order to start using the application in more complex professional capacities. This course is built to help students learn at their own pace and class scheduling is incredibly flexible for professionals looking to develop new skills while still working.